Masdar, a global leader in clean energy and a pioneer in green hydrogen, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE’s national railway network, to explore rail-based transport solutions for the nation’s green hydrogen value chain.

The partnership will evaluate how Etihad Rail’s expanding national network can be leveraged to transport feedstocks and derivative products such as hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The initiative aims to enhance logistics efficiency and support the growth of the UAE’s emerging hydrogen economy.

The agreement was formalized during the Global Rail Transport and Infrastructure Exhibition and Conference held this week in Abu Dhabi. The ceremony was witnessed by His Excellency Shadi Malak, CEO of Etihad Rail, and Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar. The MoU was signed by Dr. Faye Al Hersh, Associate Director of Development UAE at Masdar, and Adhraa Almansoori, Director of Public Policy & Sustainability at Etihad Rail.

Commenting on the collaboration, H.E. Shadi Malak said,

“This collaboration with Masdar underscores the role of rail as the backbone of sustainable logistics in the UAE. Our network will provide the critical infrastructure to move green hydrogen and its derivatives at scale, supporting innovation, energy security, and long-term economic growth.”

Masdar CEO Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi added,

“This strategic partnership with Etihad Rail moves us closer to delivering green hydrogen and its derivatives at industrial scale. Through such collaborations, we can build a robust green hydrogen value chain, accelerate decarbonization, and drive sustainable socioeconomic growth.”

Masdar aims to become a leading global producer of green hydrogen by 2030, advancing large-scale projects and investments in major markets worldwide. Meanwhile, Etihad Rail continues to expand its freight operations across the UAE, connecting key industrial zones and seaports, with passenger services scheduled to commence in 2026.

This collaboration aligns with Abu Dhabi’s Low-Carbon Hydrogen Policy and the UAE National Hydrogen Strategy 2050, which target strengthening the nation’s position as a global low-emission hydrogen supplier by 2031. The initiative also supports the UAE’s broader decarbonization agenda across hard-to-abate sectors, including transportation, chemicals, fertilizers, and metals such as aluminum, iron, and steel.